Report: Xavi is now regularly speaking to £150k-a-week Chelsea player, as Barcelona line up summer move

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Barcelona manager Xavi is reportedly in discussions with Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

According to Sport, Xavi has been having regular conversations with the 32-year-old Blues defender.

With Azpilicueta’s contract at Stamford Bridge expiring at the end of the season, he’s free to negotiate a new deal with a foreign club. In addition, there is the complication that Chelsea are currently banned from discussing contract extensions with current players due to government sanctions.

Barcelona have reportedly already lined up a summer move for Azpilicueta by offering him a three-year deal at Camp Nou. Chelsea have a clause in the Spaniard’s current contract to extend it, but it’s unclear on if they can activate that during ongoing restrictions.

The £150,000-a-week Blues star has been an amazing servant during a decade at the club, which is why losing him in the summer would be a significant blow. He’s still a vital part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad right now, too.

Mr Versatile at Chelsea

Azpilicueta’s versatility to play at right-back, centre-back or left-back makes him invaluable to the Chelsea squad. It’s the fact he can play each position to a top standard, too.

He’s played a variety of roles during 35 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring two goals and making three assists in the process.

His professionalism on and off the pitch is a big reason why he’s the club skipper. It’s a tall order for any of his teammates to replace him.

Xavi is rebuilding a new Barcelona side to try help them return to their glory years and Azpilicueta would be a really shrewd addition to his squad.

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